Central Christian football team returns 15 starters from playoff team

By John Mesh

The Hutchinson Central Christian Cougars football team returns 15 starters from the state playoff team in 2023.

The Cougars also have three ninth graders on the roster.

The Cougars, coached by Matt Barnett in his second season, posted a 6-4 record in 2023 and lost 52-6 to eventual state champion Axtell in the second round of the Eight-Man Division II playoffs. The Cougars defeated St. Paul 48-24 in the first round.

Central Christian posted wins over Pretty Prairie, Stafford, Fairfield, Rural Vista and Norwich during the regular season and lost to Sunrise Christian Academy, Kinsley and Canton-Galva.

The Cougars open the season Sept. 7 at home against Sunrise Christian and will play Sept. 13 at Canton Galva.

HUTCHINSON CENTRAL CHRISTIAN

2024 FOOTBALL RETURNING STARTERS

Player Year Position

Bo Hobbs 9 WR/DB

Tyler Reed 9 WR/DB

Aiden Burke 9 OL/DL

Cal Barnett 10 WR/DB

Luke Eigsti 10 WR/DB

Cael Kooiman 10 TE/LB

Karson Sullivan 10 WR/DB

Trey Miller 10 OL/DL

Piercen Huff 11 WR/DB Off/Def

Konnor Sullivan 11 OL/DL Off/Def

Jayden Linscheid 12 TE/LB Off/Def

Tucker Clark 12 WR/DB Def

Kaleb Sullivan 12 OL/DL

Ry Kooiman 12 RB/DB Off/Def

Nate Reed 12 QB/LB Off/Def

Caleb Glover 12 OL/DL Off

Keaton Miller 12 OL/DL Off/Def

Brody Miller 12 OL/DL

Brody Froese 12 WR/DB

2024 CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 vs. Sunrise Christian

Sept. 13 @ Canton Galva

Sept. 20 vs. Stafford

Sept. 27 @ Fairfield

Oct. 4 @ St. Paul

Oct. 11 vs. Attica/Argonia

Oct. 18 @ Pretty Prairie

Oct. 25 vs. Norwich